One of the concerns I have had, along with Family & Children’s Services, since the beginning of the pandemic is the inability of victims of intimate partner violence to obtain resources they need because of home confinement. Due to the stay-at-home order, they and their children are held up with their abuser and this can make it extremely difficult for them to reach out for help. Abusers are typically very controlling, and many may feel that due to the Order they can’t leave the home or have no option to obtain protective orders given the court closures. The confinement in the home, coupled with the stress of job loss and finances, is no doubt leading to much abuse that we may only find out about months from now.
Thank you.
Brian L. DeLeonardo, State’s Attorney
Carroll County State’s Attorney’s Office
55 N. Court Street
Westminster, MD 21157
410-386-2671
bdeleonardo@carrollcountymd.gov